False Boneset - Brickellia eupatorioides

Above: False Boneset near the UW Arboretum Visitor Center in Madison, Wisconsin on August 9, 2023.

False Boneset - Brickellia eupatorioides (formerly Kuhnia eupatorioides)

False Boneset is a native perennial that grows from 1'- 3 1/2' tall preferring full sun and dry areas with average moisture like prairies, hills, bluffs, limestone glades, open woodlands, and sandy savannas. The plant can thrive on slopes and has a very long taproot (growing to 16 feet deep).

The plant produces creamy-white/light yellowish flowers at the top of the plant in branching flat or round clusters. Individual flowerheads consist of 7-21 small, creamy white/yellowish florets.

Altough more of a cream color, False Boneset flowers resemble those of both Common boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and Tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum); however, the plants can be distinguished from each other by their leaves. The leaves of False Boneset are alternate and have one prominent vein; whereas, Tall Boneset has opposite leaves with three prominent veins. And, the leaves of Common boneset are pierced and surround the stem. Of the three, False Boneset is most similar in appearance to Tall Boneset (Eupatorium altissimum). (see photo graphics below)

False Boneset blooms August -Sept.

Above: False Boneset stem and leaves near the UW Arboretum Visitor Center in Madison, Wisconsin (8/08/23).

Above: False Boneset flowers (l) vs. Tall Boneset flowers (c) and Common Boneset flowers (r).

Above: False Boneset leaves (l) vs. Tall Boneset leaves (c) and Common Boneset leaves (r).